Notes and Editorial Reviews

There’s no question that the late Georg Tintner was a great Brucknerian, even if some of his textual decisions, such as his preference for the patently inferior first version of the Eighth Symphony, with its minimalistically repetitive scherzo (sound clip), necessarily make this set one to own alongside other, more traditional approaches. On the other hand, put this together with Skrowaczewski’s Oehms set, also at budget price, and you can have two superb, hugely different Bruckner cycles for a very reasonable outlay.

And whether or not you agree with all of Tintner’s decisions with respect to editions, there’s no question that he justifies his choices by delivering what are arguablyRead more the best performances available of the alternative in question. This is true of that Eighth, and even more so of his astonishing Third, one of the very greatest Bruckner performances ever committed to disc. Also noteworthy: superb versions of the Seventh, Fourth, and First. The two early works, “0? and “00?, need to be played as well as they are here. They are not great Bruckner, but Tintner’s commitment carries the day.

The orchestras involved aren’t traditional “Bruckner orchestras” either, and so lack that characteristic rich string sound and dark-toned brass–but even this contributes to rather than detracts from Tintner’s distinctive vision, and the playing is never less than up to Bruckner’s demands. You also get the 1878 “Volksfest” finale to the Fourth Symphony, plus a bonus CD containing a very personal discussion by Tintner of Bruckner’s music. Sonically, these are also some of Naxos’ finest efforts, making this box an essential purchase for anyone who loves Bruckner and who missed these performances the first time around.

Customer Reviews

Average Customer Review: ( 3 Customer Reviews )

A Magnificent Symphony CycleMarch 14, 2015By Henry S. (Springfield, VA)See All My Reviews"I'll start my comments by asserting that this 12 CD set must surely rank as one of Naxos' finest achievements, placing Georg Tintner's Bruckner cycle squarely among the most prestigious of the numerous sets available. One of the extra nuances enhancing the merit of the entire collection is CD #12, containing portions of a remarkable lecture given by conductor Tintner to a Canadian music school a number of years ago. In this absorbing, often times humorous, talk, the conductor demonstrates his deep affection and affinity for the composer, his fellow Austrian Anton Bruckner. I suggest that any Arkivmusic patron who purchases this set should start with this last CD, because it effectively sets the stage for an incredible musical journey through the symphonic career of the great Austrian 'peasant', the term used by Tintner himself in the course of his discussion (and by no means is this a disparaging characterization). Three separate orchestras contribute to this project under Georg Tintner's capable direction, and the results are uniformly excellent- brassy, powerful at times, light and delicate in others, especially in the famous Bruckner adagios. Most of the 'heavy lifting' is done by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, which, if it had not already established its Bruckner bonafides previously, really nails it here in Symphonies # 1,3,4,5,7, and 9. Symphonies # 2 and 8 are performed by the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, and my reaction to its superb performance of the monster 8th Symphony was a loud 'Bravo!', something I rarely do while listening to a CD! Finally, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra turns in an equally sharp and compelling reading of the dramatic 6th Symphony. These 9 symphonies demonstrate a remarkable progression by Bruckner in terms of artistic complexity and aesthetic gravitas, all the while maintaining the fundamental Brucknerian worldview, which, as Tintner noted, was that of a rural Austrian steeped in religious conviction and the 'romantic' musical tradition of the late 19th century. Finally, the Naxos set also includes 2 earlier symphonic works composed by Bruckner, which have taken on the interesting labels Symphony #0 and #00 (with stirring performances by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland). In summary, Naxos has done itself proud with this outstanding Bruckner symphony cycle. I won't tell you not to sample other famous sets, such as Eugen Jochum's legendary Dresden recordings, but you surely owe it to yourself to hear Georg Tintner present Bruckner in a way the composer himself would undoubtedly have approved. Absolutely recommended!!!"Report Abuse

A no brainer.November 3, 2014By K. BAKER (HEBER CITY, UT)See All My Reviews"This is an easy review. For the money, the only Bruckner worth buying."Report Abuse

Outstanding !April 1, 2014By Joseph Erdeljac (West Chester, PA)See All My Reviews"I have always loved Bruckner and here is the perfect set of all his Symphonies in one place. Each is excellently preformed by wonderful orchestras and conductors. Here is the set for Bruckner lovers who want to lavish in his wondrous music."Report Abuse